Poll Finds Voters Back George Osborne’s Welfare Crackdown

The welfare crackdown unveiled by George Osborne last week has won strong backing from voters in a new opinion poll.

The ICM survey for The Sunday Telegraph also shows that the public backs the Chancellor’s plans to leave the state pension out of an overall “cap” on welfare payments.  The findings come as Ministers prepare to announce measures this week to stop foreigners abusing free NHS treatment and curbs on rogue landlords who rent properties to illegal immigrants.

The poll, in which ICM Research interviewed a sample of 2,006 adults aged 18+ online on 26-28th June 2013, gives the Conservatives a boost because of the support for measures outlined by Mr Osborne in the Spending Review, last week.

David Cameron and Mr Osborne are viewed as the best team to manage the economy by 30 per cent of voters, comfortably ahead of Ed Miliband and Ed Balls on 23 per cent.  George Osborne wins the support of nearly two thirds of voters, 64 per cent, for his plan for an overall cap on benefits spending which would exclude the state pension.  Just 23 per cent say the cap should include the state pension, a move floated by the Labour Party.

A range of welfare measures announced by Mr Osborne last week wins high levels of support, with 87 per cent backing the cutting of benefits for jobless immigrants who refuse to take English lessons.

Conservative Party Co-Chairman, Grant Shapps MP, said, “This shows that the public overwhelmingly back the Conservative idea that people who want to work hard and get on in life should be given every opportunity.”